More than 70 Massey academics make the World’s Top 2% Scientists list

The World’s Top 2% Scientists, a prestigious list published annually by Stanford University and Elsevier, names the most highly cited researchers across various disciplines. In 2025, more than 73 Massey academics and researchers past and present are included in the top two per cent of scientists globally.

The latest list compares how often an academic’s published research was cited in 2024 to rank scientists globally. Itis relied on by universities around the world as a measure of research excellence and impact.

Massey’s three highest-ranked scholars are Professor Emerita Marti Anderson at number 857 on the list, Riddet Institute Director Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh at 5,023 and Professor Emeritus David Mellor at 6,801.

Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says this international recognition reflects Massey’s dedication to research with real-world impact.

“We are incredibly proud to have so many outstanding researchers recognised on the World’s Top 2% Scientists list. Their work not only advances knowledge in their fields but also makes a meaningful difference in society by shaping policies, improving communities and contributing to global knowledge.”

Out of the 72 Massey researchers on the list, approximately half are from the College of Sciences, spanning the five Schools and the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Studies. Eight were from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, seven from the Riddet Institute and five each from the College of Health and Massey Business School.

A snapshot of top scientists from each Massey college

• College of Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Christine Stephens ONZM is the co-leader of the Health and Ageing Research Team (HART). She has been specialising in research with older people over the last twenty years, ands published more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles.  She says, “It has been a privilege to work at Massey over the last decades where our work has been well supported. At HART, we are very pleased to be generally recognised for our contributions to policy that supports the wellbeing of seniors in ageing populations.”
• Massey Business School Professor Henry Chung has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, with more than 1,800 citations on Scopus. His research explores international marketing strategy, managerial ties, immigrant and Business-to-Business enterprises, and innovation, and he serves on editorial boards for leading marketing and business journals. “I am deeply honoured to be included in this ranking,” says Professor Chung. “The support from my peers and the wider academic community has been invaluable in enabling the publications, partnerships and research that shape my work.”
• College of Sciences’ Associate Professor Lovedeep Kaur specialises in food protein structuring and its impact on digestion. She has mentored a generation of postgraduate students, researchers and visiting scientists. She collaborates closely with the New Zealand food industry to translate research into outcomes that enhance public wellbeing and strengthen New Zealand’s food sector. She says, “This recognition reflects years of research, the trust of students, colleagues and collaborators, and the mentorship I’ve been fortunate to receive throughout my journey. I’m proud to represent their hard work and commitment, and I am grateful to Massey for the support that shaped my journey. I hope my work continues to be useful and inspiring, especially to young researchers who engage with it and see the possibilities ahead in food science.”
• College of Health Professor Ajmol Ali’s research spans several themes including paediatric exercise science, supplementation for health, wellness and performance, sport performance and wellness at work. He has published more than 100 journal articles, books and book chapters. He says, “I'm honoured to be included on this list of esteemed scientists, and would like to thank my students, my wider research team and overseas collaborators. Our collective research on promoting wellness to prevent illness and maintain performance is very topical right now, both in popular media as well as academic circles."

Explore Massey’s World Top 2% Scientist list and their research impact.